New Bedford's strong offense too much for Acushnet

ACUSHNET — In a Mass District 9 American Legion baseball regular season matchup Monday night, Acushnet Post 265 lost 7-4 against New Bedford Post 1.

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By Chris Medeiros

southcoasttoday.com

By Chris Medeiros

Posted Jul. 7, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By Chris Medeiros
Posted Jul. 7, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

ACUSHNET — In a Mass District 9 American Legion baseball regular season matchup Monday night, Acushnet Post 265 lost 7-4 against New Bedford Post 1.

The New Bedford bats were firing on all cylinders as they were able to produce 11 hits off of Acushnet's pitching. The team put together a combined six singles, four doubles and one triple.

New Bedford started quickly, grabbing a run in the top of the first inning, then bringing home three more runs in the second inning to jump out to an early 4-0 lead.

"In the second inning we had some mistakes that were our fault," explained Acushnet head coach Randy Debrosse after the game. "But after the third inning, I knew that was it (for the pitcher)."

New Bedford continued to swing the bats in the third inning, scoring three more runs, including a 2 RBI double from third baseman Andrew Casteel. Casteel finished 2-4 in the ball game.

Acushnet was able to respond in the bottom of the third inning when cleanup hitter J.T. Shipbird was able to knock in two runs with an RBI double. Acushnet fought back, adding a run in both the fifth and seventh innings, although it would not be enough to overcome their deficit.

Acushnet put together nine hits of their own but also stranded seven runners on base in the game. Acushnet's starting pitcher (Leidhold) threw for three innings, allowing seven runs off eight hits, and struck out two batters.

"He had a good effort but he just didn't have it tonight and things unraveled quickly and that was it," said Debrosse of his starting pitcher.

As for the rest of the team, Debrosse will look for some changes going forward. "It was a "very lackadaisical effort," he said. " We need to have more desire, heart, and come ready to play."

Acushnet's record fell to 7-7 after the loss and has just six games remaining on the season. The team will look to improve its play when they participate in the Fourth of July Firecracker tournament in Fairhaven.

"We're at .500 right now. We could back into the playoffs," said Debrosse after the game. "We'll just have to wait and find out when the season is over."